KUCHING: Community leaders from Bario have credited the Sarawak Government’s infrastructure push in the highlands with transforming connectivity and living conditions in the remote northern region.

A delegation of 27 Community Leaders and Village Heads (KMKK) from the Bario Sub-District met Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex to convey their appreciation for ongoing rural development initiatives in Bario and Ulu Baram.

The delegation was led by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu Assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Kelabit Paramount Chief of Miri Division Pemanca Caleena Laleng Sakai and Dato Isaac Lugun.

During the meeting, the delegation highlighted key improvements implemented under the Sarawak Government, including 24-hour electricity supply, upgraded telecommunications and internet connectivity for Kelabit longhouses in Bario and Ulu Limbang, as well as clean water supply projects benefiting rural communities.

The leaders also acknowledged the state’s efforts to improve road connectivity and rural infrastructure in the interior.

Among the developments singled out was Uggah’s 375-kilometre overland journey from Miri to Bario in 2025, during which he became the first Deputy Premier to personally inspect the condition of logging roads in Ulu Baram together with officers from the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.

The visit was described as a key factor behind the Sarawak Government’s decision to take over and gazette the logging roads as State roads, paving the way for more systematic maintenance and improved accessibility for rural communities.

The delegation also welcomed ongoing bridge upgrading works, repairs to rural roads in Ulu Baram and the extension of the Bario STOLport runway, describing the projects as crucial for strengthening connectivity and supporting socioeconomic growth in northern Sarawak. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Uilson Ng